An estimated 800,000 Arizonans serve as family caregivers, collectively saving the state billions annually in unpaid care.”

Rosalynn Carter famously said, “There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need a caregiver.” If you find yourself in the role of caregiver — or needing one — will you have the support you need?

Family caregivers are the backbone of Arizona’s health care system, providing critical support for aging parents, children with disabilities, loved ones with chronic illnesses and veterans.

These unsung heroes devote their time, energy and finances to care for others. Yet, despite their vital role, caregivers face immense challenges with insufficient institutional support. Arizona urgently needs a statewide plan to address their needs — because when caregivers thrive, the entire state benefits. Thanks to the efforts of 28 organizations and agencies working together, Arizona now has that plan.

An estimated 800,000 Arizonans serve as family caregivers, collectively saving the state billions annually in unpaid care. Caregivers assist with essential daily activities like bathing, feeding, medication management and transportation, often while juggling full-time jobs or their own families.

Family caregivers enable loved ones to age in place, avoid costly institutional care and maintain a better quality of life. Their efforts alleviate pressure on Arizona’s overburdened health care system and reduce taxpayer-funded expenditures for long-term care.

Despite their contributions, caregivers often face financial, emotional and physical burdens. Many cut back on work or leave jobs entirely, resulting in lost income and diminished retirement savings. Emotionally, caregivers experience burnout, depression and chronic stress. Physically, they risk injuries from the demands of caregiving.

Caregivers are frequently left out of policymaking discussions and overlooked by health care professionals. Accessing services like affordable respite care or training remains a challenge, especially for those in rural or underserved communities.

This growing problem is set to intensify. Arizona’s population over age 65 will soon surpass those under 65, while rates of childhood disabilities and the need for veteran caregivers continue to rise.

In 2022, the RAISE (Recognize, Assist, Include, Support & Engage) Family Caregivers Act advisory council released a National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers. Since then, 13 states have created caregiver support plans.

Now, Arizona has joined them with its first-ever Arizona Family Caregiver Action Plan (2025-2028).

Supported by Vitalyst Health Foundation and the AZ Together for Impact Fund, this plan was developed by a diverse group of nonprofit leaders, state agencies, direct care workers and caregivers. Through statewide meetings, participants identified the challenges caregivers face and called for solutions like “support from day one,” “resources in different languages” and “caregiver education courses.”

The resulting plan is ambitious and actionable, with three key priorities:

1. Streamlined access to services
2. Advocacy and outreach
3. Caregiver education

Each of us is leading an action team to guide the implementation of this plan. We welcome your involvement.

Supporting caregivers is more than a moral imperative — it’s a practical investment. When caregivers receive adequate support, their loved ones experience better health outcomes, reducing hospital readmissions and dependence on state-funded programs. Supported caregivers are less likely to burn out, allowing them to stay in the workforce and remain productive.

Arizona’s new plan positions the state as a leader in tackling this pressing issue, sending a clear message that caregivers are valued and essential.

Implementing this plan will not be easy. It will require collaboration across the public and private sectors, including policymakers, philanthropy and health care providers. But family caregivers are vital to the well-being of our communities. Let’s ensure these unsung heroes receive the recognition and resources they deserve.

The time to act is now. Arizona’s future depends on it.

Editor’s note: Kathrine Steele-Watson is executive director of the Arizona Caregiver Coalition. Michele Thorne is CEO of Care 4 The Caregivers. Erica Reyes is senior director of health and wellness at FSL, the Foundation for Senior Living. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.